Chosen Event in Zimbabwe empowers children to shape their own futures
By Ronald Magweta (Communications Officer)
In a truly innovative twist, World Vision Zimbabwe recently launched the Chosen Event in the Umzingwane Area Program of Matabeleland South Province. Unlike previous years, where sponsors chose the children, this time it was the children who had the incredible opportunity to choose their own sponsors. This new approach added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the event.
With a sense of wonder and excitement filling the air, 219 children from Umzingwane eagerly participated in the event. The atmosphere was electric as an exhibition of sponsor photos created a vibrant backdrop. What made this occasion even more extraordinary was the presence of some sponsors, who attended the event in person. The children and sponsors were overwhelmed with joy as they came face-to-face for the first time, forging a unique bond. Some accompanied by their parents, the 219 children felt a deep sense of support and togetherness, contributing to the smooth and heartfelt unfolding of this remarkable event.
Sipho, a parent present at the event, expressed her happiness, “I am very happy, my grandchild has found a friend, they will be connecting and talking, sharing things that happen around their lives and I pray that we are going to have a great relationship with the sponsor.”
Parents, children, local leaders, faith groups, and volunteers were all excited about the Chosen initiative. They believed World Vision's projects will transform their community for the better.
“My name is Mathias and today I am happy that I found a new friend from America. On his picture, he was smiling and this made me choose him because I also want to be happy,” said Mathias, one of the children who chose a sponsor that was present at the event.
The Chosen event was a resounding success, captivating the local population and fostering a strong sense of ownership and giving hope to the people. The numerous encouraging and optimistic testimonials serve as undeniable evidence that the community is wholeheartedly prepared to rally behind this initiative and ensure its triumph.
“We have been receiving help from previous sponsors of other children, and today, meeting some of them in person was a life changing experience,” says Sibusiso, a parent whose child chose a sponsor at the event.
“Thank you very much, we wish that their relationship (the sponsor and my grandchild) will grow and they will be in touch in the future. We would also love to see them come and witness the impact that some of them have made in our community,” she added.
Venshard Dobbins, one of the sponsors who were present at the event could not hide his emotions as he got a chance to be chosen while he was present.
“It is an overwhelming feeling of gratitude, I feel a sense of purpose and destiny. I want to see kids across the world have a better chance at having an amazing future and if I can help in any way I just want to play my role in changing the world to make it a better place,” says Dobbins.
“I do not only see this as a financial aid or sponsorship, I see this as a mentorship, I see it as a long term goal of watching him go to college, get his first job ad even starting his own family,” he added.
“We plan to assist by sending books, I think education is power and exposure is key and at a later time I would want my whole family because we now welcome him in our family.”
Chosen has revolutionized the way sponsors are paired with children. Through a captivating photo exhibition, this innovative program empowers children by granting them the authority to choose their own sponsors. Departing from the traditional approach where sponsors selected the children they wished to support, Chosen breathes new life into the sponsorship experience.